14/06/2026
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Consumer advocacy group Bantay Kuryente Consumer Watch, Inc. has formally filed a complaint with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) over a controversial policy limiting physical attendance at the upcoming South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SOCOTECO II) Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) scheduled on July 18, 2026.
In a letter addressed to NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, the group slammed the cooperative’s decision to cap physical attendees at only 1,500 member-consumer-owners (MCOs).
The policy relegates the remaining estimated 300,000 members to virtual participation via Zoom and Facebook Live.
Bantay Kuryente Chairman and President Edmundo Cejar argued that the digital mandate effectively disenfranchises the vast majority of the cooperative’s membership, undermining democratic governance.
The group raised alarms over local digital disparities, citing the 2024 National ICT Household Survey which reveals that internet access remains as low as 35% to 45% in Sarangani Province and peaks at only 65% to 75% in General Santos City.
Cejar emphasized that the AGMA is a critical venue where members vote on vital resolutions, including asset transfers and potential privatization.
“We trust that NEA, as the government agency tasked with supervising and promoting the development of electric cooperatives, will give this matter immediate attention to protect the rights and interests of all SOCOTECO II member-consumer-owners,” Cejar stated in the letter.
The group is urging the NEA to review the legality of the restriction and order SOCOTECO II to implement a more inclusive setup.